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Aquaventure Waterpark
Brave water rides, see marine animals, and much more at the Aquaventure Waterpark in Dubai. One of the Middle East's biggest and best water parks, it sits next to Atlantis, The Palm resort on Palm Jumeirah island. Visit for record-breaking slides, river rides, multiple pools, and a private beach spread over 42 acres (17 hectares) of seafront.
The Basics
Aquaventure offers everything from daredevil flumes, such as the near-vertical Leap of Faith, to the world’s biggest waterslide, kids’ areas, pools, and a super-long zipline. Visitors can relax between rides at the beach, restaurants, and shops, and enjoy an optional range of marine encounters.
You can choose a standard all-day admission ticket or combine your entry with a marine encounter, such as a shark safari or ray-feeding adventure, or admission to the Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis. Other options include city tour and park admission combos and ticket-and-transfer deals that include return transport to the park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Aquaventure is a must for water- and thrill-loving families, couples, and groups.
- Choose from multiple tickets: from all-day access to admission combined with experiences, such as ray feeding.
- Life vests are supplied, but bring your own swimwear and towels.
- Wear swimwear that’s respectful of local customs: See-through swimsuits, for instance, aren’t allowed.
- Don’t bring selfie sticks—they’re not permitted on any rides.
- Save time by prebooking tickets to avoid the often-long lines at the main ticket counter.
How to Get There
Aquaventure neighbors Atlantis, The Palm hotel, on the outer crescent of the Palm. Drive here along Crescent Road and The Avenues, or hire a cab from the nearest metro station, the Mall of the Emirates. Alternatively, ride the monorail here from Al Sufouh’s Gateway station, or book a tour that includes entry and round-trip transport from Dubai hotels.
When to Get There
Aquaventure is great for cooling off year-round. It’s busiest during Dubai’s peak November–April season, but whenever you visit, it’s sensible to arrive early to reduce waiting times. The park opens at 10am daily and closes at sunset—usually between 5:30pm and 7pm.
Finding the Top Attractions at Aquaventure
Thrill-seekers should hotfoot it to Aquaventure’s high-speed slides. Plunge down the Leap of Faith into a tube surrounded by sharks, and brave Poseidon’s Revenge: hurtling through a trapdoor into a 75-foot (23-meter) slide. Find the Leap of Faith at the Tower of Neptune and Poseidon’s Revenge further on, at the Tower of Poseidon.
Address: Crescent Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Admission: Varies
From USD 30
Ara Pacis Museum (Museo dell'Ara Pacis)
Since opening its doors in 2006, the Ara Pacis Museum has caused more than its fair share of controversy, with its modernist glass and travertine façade splitting public opinion. The futuristic building, the work of architect Richard Meir, was one of Rome’s first major post-war architectural works and was built to house one of the city’s most significant ancient artworks.
Whatever your opinion of the museum itself, there’s no disputing the magnificence of its star exhibit – the Ara Pacis, or Altar of Peace, which dates back to 9 BC. The elaborate Roman sculpture is a gigantic marble altar towering over 35 feet (11 meters) high and built by the Emperor Augustus to symbolize peace in the Roman Empire. Today, the protected monument is preserved and displayed in its full glory, with the original structure augmented by reproductions of the panels already on display in the Villa Medici, the Vatican and the Louvre.
Practical Info
The Ara Pacis Museum is located on Lungotevere in Augusta in central Rome and is open daily from 9:30am to 7:30pm. Adult admission is €10.50.
Address: Museo dell Ara Pacis, Lungotevere in Augusta, Rome 00100, Italy
Hours: Daily 9:30am–7:30pm
Admission: €10.50
From USD 45
Aquaria KLCC
Located on the concourse level of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in the middle of the Golden Triangle, Aquaria KLCC houses some 5,000 aquatic and marine creatures representing more than 150 species. The 60,000-square-foot (5,574-square-meter) aquarium explores the marine and freshwater flora and fauna of the Malaysian region and the world. Highlights include a 295-foot (90-meter) glass tunnel with a moving walkway, where visitors pass beneath giant stingrays, sand tiger sharks, sea turtles and schools of fish, as well as a wave tank and simulated glass bottom boat.
Throughout the day, the oceanarium’s team of scuba divers drop into the tanks for interactive animal feeding shows. Those who want a closer look at the animals can sign up for Dive with Sharks or Cage Rage experiences.
Practical Info
Aquaria KLCC is open daily until 8pm. Check feeding times online before you go so you don’t miss seeing your favorite animals chowing down.
Address: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Complex, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hours: Daily 10:30am–8pm
From USD 15
Aqua Fantasy Aquapark
Opened in June 2000, the Aqua Fantasy Aquapark near Selcuk is Turkey’s top water park, accommodating up to 5,000 guests every day. The park may be best known for its Super Combo four-in-one ride, considered by many to be one of Europe’s best designed water slides. Other popular rides include the Screamer, which provides the feeling of a vertical freefall while sliding and the Xtreme slide, where guests reach speeds up to 80 kilometers per hour. Other activities include water volleyball on an artificial beach, a wave pool with 10 different kinds of waves, an adult pool with a swim up bar and Jacuzzi, and the relaxing Blue Lagoon and Lazy Adventure River. And of course, there is a kids’ pool for the little ones.
Practical Info
The Aqua Fantasy Aquapark is located about 15 minutes southwest of Selcuk and 20 minutes north of Kusadasi. For those wishing to stay overnight, the Aqua Fantasy Hotel is adjacent to the water park. Facilities in the park include a food court, lockers and showers. Cash cannot be used within the park; visitors must load money onto a “splash card” obtained at the entrance.
Address: Ephesus Beach, Selcuk, Turkey
Hours: Varies seasonally
Admission: Adults: €30; Children 10+: €24; Ages 4-9: €17; Under 3: Free
From USD 28
Arbaer Open-Air Folk Museum (Arbaejarsafn)
Quaint old buildings have been uprooted from their original sites and rebuilt at the Árbæjarsafn or Arbaer Open-Air Folk Museum, a kind of zoo for houses, 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from the city centre. Alongside the 19th century homes are a turf-roofed church, and various stables, smithies, barns and boathouses - all very picturesque. The museum opened in 1957 - before that the place was a working farm - and the aim is to give an insight into the way Icelanders once lived.
There are summer arts-and-crafts demonstrations including traditional handcrafts, hay-making and animals to see. There is also a cafe. The farm is a great place for kids to let off steam.
Practical Info
Arbaer Museum is located just out of Reykjavik to the southeast and is easy to reach by bus 12, 19 or 22.
Address: Kistuhylur 4, Reykjavik, Iceland
Hours: Daily tours Jun - Aug, 11am - 2pm. Winter: Mon, Wed, Fri at 1pm
Admission: Adults: 600 kr, Children: Free
From USD 47
Aquatopia
Right across the road from Antwerp’s other great family attraction, the zoo, Aquatopia is housed in a biscuit-colored Art Deco building and aims to educate and entertain kids on life in our oceans. With seven, maze-like themed marine habitats from rainforest to mangrove swamp, it provides a stimulating way to teach children about the amazing natural world beneath the sea. More than 10,000 fish and reptiles from over 250 species – from sea horses to sharks to iguanas – are housed in 40 aquariums with interactive presentations providing information on each tank; glass tunnels lead underwater so youngsters can get up close to the rays, eels and striking angel fish, enjoy the colors of the coral and watch turtles lumbering through the water.
Practical Info
Prams are not permitted in the museum; there is safe storage by the entrance. Aquatopia is close to Central Station and easily accessed on foot from the city center; several buses and trams also stop close by. Combination tickets can be bought with Antwerp Zoo.
Address: Koningin Astridplein 7, Antwerp, Flanders 2018, Belgium
Hours: Daily 10am–6pm
Admission: adults (over 13) €14.95; children aged three–12 €10; family ticket from €32
From USD 15
Arad Fort
Strategically located overlooking a number of sea passages, Arad Fort is one of Bahrain's most important fortified castles, and is a classic example of Islamic fort architecture in the 15th and 16th centuries. It used to guard a separate island of its own, but the fort has since been connected to Muharraq Island.
Arad Fort was used as a defensive fortress throughout various phases of Bahrain’s history, and was the site of many conflicts, including the country’s occupation by the Portuguese in the 16th century. It has undergone various construction phases throughout the years and is now open to the public to visit, as well as playing host to a number of seasonal festivals.
History and military buffs, as well as those interested in architecture, will be particularly enchanted, with three archeological layers of the fort to explore. Among the site, there’s a trench, two wells, a canal, plus lookout towers at each of the fort’s four corners with passages that connect them.
A visit to Arad Fort can be combined with other attractions in the area to make for a fun and informative day out for all ages. A full day tour to discover the highlights of Bahrain might include visiting Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the Bahrain National Museum, Al Areen Wildlife Park, and Bahrain International Circuit.
Practical Info
The fort is located in Arad, near Muharraq, around a 15-minute drive from the capital city of Manama. It is also only a five-minute drive from Bahrain International Airport.
Did You Know? Arad Fort was restored in the 1980s using only traditional materials, such as coral stone and tree trunks, so as to maintain the historic authenticity of the structure.
Address: Road No. 4233, Muharraq, Bahrain
Hours: 7am-2pm, Sunday to Wednesday / 9am-6pm, Thursday and Saturday / 3pm-6pm, Friday
Admission: BD0.2
From USD 107
Archaeological Museum of Olympia
The site of the Ancient Olympic Games in Olympia in the Peloponnese was lost to time and earthquake until 1875 when excavation began to uncover the ancient stadium (which could seat 20,000), the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera (where the Olympic Flame is still lit from the sun), and many other important buildings.
Today they are only ruins, foundations and columns mainly but still of great interest and one of the most visited ancient sites in Greece.
Adjoining the site is the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, which contains some of Greece's most valuable historic artifacts found in the Altis or sanctuary to Zeus. The museum is famous for its sculpture collection including Nike who was said to come down from the sky to hand a palm leaf to the victors. The large terracotta collection is also renowned and this modern museum is a great way to get a feel for how it was to be at those ancient games.
Today they are only ruins, foundations and columns mainly but still of great interest and one of the most visited ancient sites in Greece.
Adjoining the site is the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, which contains some of Greece's most valuable historic artifacts found in the Altis or sanctuary to Zeus. The museum is famous for its sculpture collection including Nike who was said to come down from the sky to hand a palm leaf to the victors. The large terracotta collection is also renowned and this modern museum is a great way to get a feel for how it was to be at those ancient games.
Address: Greece
Hours: Sun-Mon: 9am-4pm; Tues-Sat: 8am-6pm (last entry 15 minutes prior to closing)
Admission: Varies
From USD 92
Archaeological Museums (Arkeoloji Muzeleri)
Crammed with artworks and artifacts from over the millennia, Istanbul’s Archaeology Museum is housed in a complex of three buildings in gardens formerly belonging to Topkapi Palace.
Opened in 1891, the museum features archaeology in the main building, a grand classical affair with columns and pediments. The art of the ancient orient is housed in a separate building, and the historic Tiled Kiosk, commissioned by Sultan Mehmet II in 1472, houses a museum of Islamic art.
Opened in 1891, the museum features archaeology in the main building, a grand classical affair with columns and pediments. The art of the ancient orient is housed in a separate building, and the historic Tiled Kiosk, commissioned by Sultan Mehmet II in 1472, houses a museum of Islamic art.
The Greek and Roman statues are the highlights of this massive and important collection, including the ornately carved Alexander Sarcophagus. Also seek out the peace treaty dating from 1258 BC, a Lycian tomb, cuneiform documents, and busts of Alexander the Great and Zeus.
Practical Info
The Archaeology Museum is in Gulhane Park, near Topkapi in Istanbul’s Eminönü district.
Address: Osman Hamdi Bey Yokusu, Istanbul 34400, Turkey
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 9am - 5pm
Admission: $3.50; includes the Museum of the Ancient Orient and the Çinili Kösk
From USD 140
ArcelorMittal Orbit
The ArcelorMittal Orbit, built for the 2012 London Olympics, has the distinction of being the UK’s tallest sculpture. At 375 feet (114.5 meters) high, it is also possibly the world’s tallest—and longest—tube slide. The observation decks offer visitors stunning views with visibility of up to 20 miles (32 kilometers) on a clear day.
The Basics
Built in collaboration with artists Anish Kapoor and Carsten Höller, designer Cecil Balmond, and ArcelorMittal Steel, the Orbit is composed of 2,000 tonnes of tangled red steel twisting up into the sky. Two elevators transport passengers 260 feet (80 meters) up to the indoor observation decks. Those brave enough can then descend the 583-foot-long (178-meter) slide with 12 twists through a transparent tube, culminating in a corkscrew of turns and a final drop into darkness. Alternatively, take the elevators back to the ground level or descend 455 steps accompanied by a soundscape installation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The ArcelorMittal Orbit is a must for thrill-seekers and those who appreciate elevated views.
- Entrance to the Orbit is reduced for children; check the website for all concession prices.
- There are a number of cafés and restaurants within walking distance from the Orbit.
- The Orbit is accessible and offer wheelchairs to borrow on a first-come first-served basis.
How to Get There
The ArcelorMittal Orbit is located in East London, in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Take the tube from central London—it’s about a 10-minute walk from Stratford Station, on the Central and Jubilee lines—or one of various bus lines.
When to Get There
The Orbit is open daily year-round, with varying hours depending on the season. The attraction hosts seasonal events such as evening fireworks viewing throughout the year. Check the website for a schedule and opening hours.
Abseiling
If the world’s longest tunnel slide wasn’t daring enough, the Orbit also offers abseiling (aka rappelling) from 262 feet (79 meters) in the air, making it the UK’s highest free fall. Professional instructors take participants through a thorough safety training and provide all safety gear. Then the adventure begins with a steep descent surrounded by views of London’s famous skyline and landmarks.
Address: ArcelorMittal Orbit, London, England
Admission: Varies
From USD 15
Aqaba
As Jordan’s only coastal city and a busy seaport, Aqaba makes a popular stop for cruise ships and a scenic base for exploring Petra and Wadi Rum, encircled by desert mountains and fronting the glistening Red Sea. Recent developments have seen a string of luxury resorts spring up along Aqaba’s coastline, along with the manmade lagoons of the Ayla Oasis Project, which also boasts a marina, golf course and shopping complex, but the town’s main draw is still its natural assets.
Aqaba’s warm waters mean that it’s possible to swim almost all year round and the 5 public beaches form part of the Aqaba Marine Park—a top destination for scuba divers with its expanse of colorful coral reefs and more than 507 species of fish.
Practical Info
Aqaba is located on the southwestern coast of Jordan at the northeastern tip of the Red Sea.
Address: Aqaba, Jordan
From USD 94
Apsley House (Wellington Museum)
Apsley House has long been thought of as the grandest address in London. The Georgian building hasn’t changed much since 1815, when its inhabitant—the 1st Duke of Wellington—led British troops to victory against Napoleon at Waterloo. Today the house holds the Wellington Collection, known for its paintings, sculpture, porcelain, and silver.
The Basics
Built in 1778, the Apsley House—known locally as Number One London—was originally home to Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington. Today the stately mansion, which is open to the public, is sumptuously decorated with palatial, gilded interiors. Its impressive Wellington Collection includes nearly 3,000 Spanish, Dutch, and Flemish paintings and sculptures by well-known artists such as Goya, Velázquez, Van Dyck, and Pieter Bruegel, as well as other pieces of fine art.
Entrance to the museum is included on some art-themed and comprehensive London tours. Holders of the Overseas Visitors Pass receive reduced admission, as do children aged 5 to 17 years.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Apsley House is ideal for art, design, and history enthusiasts.
- Group tours are available for parties of 11 or more.
- Multimedia touchscreen guides, included with admission, are available in English, German, Spanish, and British Sign Language.
- The on-site shop offers myriad items related to the First Duke of Wellington, art, architecture, and the Battle of Waterloo.
- Limited, free parking is available on-site for disabled visitors and must be arranged in advance.
- The museum is not wheelchair accessible, as there are five steps to the front door (no ramp) and no accessible bathrooms. Once inside, there is an elevator with eight steps down to it.
How to Get There
Apsley House is located in the southeast section of Hyde Park. Parking near the park is limited, so it’s recommended to use public transport. Many buses stop near Hyde Park, and the Piccadilly line’s Hyde Park Corner tube station is about a 1-minute walk from the museum.
When to Get There
Apsley House is open year-round; check the website for current opening hours. In London’s warmer spring and summer months, you can take advantage of Hyde Park’s many picnic spots before or after a museum visit.
Wellington Arch
Located in Hyde Park, across the street from Apsley House, Wellington Arch was originally built as an entrance to Buckingham Palace. It later became a victory arch commemorating Britain’s victory against Napoleon. Visitors are treated to spectacular panoramic London views from the arch’s balconies, and there is a permanent museum on the ground level. The arch, which is open most days (check the website for hours), has an elevator and is wheelchair accessible.
Address: Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA, England
From USD 90
Aquarium Sea Life Paris Val D'Europe
Housed inside the huge Val D'Europe shopping mall, the Aquarium Sea Life Paris makes an easy side-trip from Disneyland Paris and with more than 350 sea creatures to marvel over, it’s both fun and educational for the whole family.
Brave a walk through the 360-degree underwater tunnel where you can come face-to-face with 13 different species of shark; spot giant stingrays, menacing piranhas and a rainbow of colorful fish swimming in the 50 tanks; or journey through the 8 themed zones, including a peek into the waters of the Seine River and Nemo's Reef. Additional highlights include the majestic Green Sea Turtles and the touch pools where you can get up close to starfish and seahorses, while you can also watch the animal feedings, join a guided tour or follow a quiz trail to keep the younger members of the family entertained.
Practical Info
The SEA LIFE Aquarium is located in the Val d’ Europe shopping mall in Marne-la-Vallee, 32 km east of Paris and can be reached by high-speed train from central Paris. The aquarium is open daily from 10am-5:30pm.
Address: 14 Cours du Danube, Marne-la-Vallée, France
Hours: Open daily from 10am-5:30pm
Admission: Adults: 17,50€; Children (3-11) 13,90€
From USD 23
Aranjuez
In the 16th century the royals of Spain liked to take their holidays in Aranjuez, 29 miles (48km) from Madrid. Phillip II developed a small holiday lodge into a magnificent palace, which was given its final majestic appearance by Charles III.
The most striking features of the Palacio Real de Aranjuez (Royal Palace in Aranjuez) are the red and white façade, the Rococo staircase and the Porcelain Room which has walls lined with porcelain.
The gardens are world-famous and include the Museo de Faluas Reales (Museum of the Royal Barges); in which you can see how King Charles IV and King Ferdinand VII of Spain traveled as well as maritime instruments and paintings. The whole complex is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the nicest ways to reach the palace is on The Strawberry Train. Departing for the first time in 1851, this was only the second railway in Spain. You can ride the restored train, complete with fresh strawberries to eat, from Madrid Railway Museum to Aranjuez on weekends from May to June and September to November.
The most striking features of the Palacio Real de Aranjuez (Royal Palace in Aranjuez) are the red and white façade, the Rococo staircase and the Porcelain Room which has walls lined with porcelain.
The gardens are world-famous and include the Museo de Faluas Reales (Museum of the Royal Barges); in which you can see how King Charles IV and King Ferdinand VII of Spain traveled as well as maritime instruments and paintings. The whole complex is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the nicest ways to reach the palace is on The Strawberry Train. Departing for the first time in 1851, this was only the second railway in Spain. You can ride the restored train, complete with fresh strawberries to eat, from Madrid Railway Museum to Aranjuez on weekends from May to June and September to November.
Address: Spain
From USD 67
Arab Street
Arab Street is a small area of Singapore, not far from the busy Bugis Junction in the Kampong Glam district. The area is full of unique shops and a vibrant street life. Many visitors discover Arab Street when visiting the grand Sultan Mosque (Musjid Sultan), a large and beautiful building built in 1924.
In the surrounding streets, keen shoppers can find the most wonderful selection of fabric; find yourself some gorgeous sari material or wonderfully textured linens and have it sewn up by the tailors located upstairs. There are plentiful cafes, great Middle Eastern food and even luxurious spa treatments available.
Other popular goods for purchase include spices, woven baskets and fresh fruit. The more ambitious can try a shisha (hooka-style pipe) in one of the many late-night cafés, or listen to the live music at venues such as Blue Jazz.
It’s not all laid back and traditional in this area though. Head to Bali Lane for hardcore punk music and gothic glam clothing!
Address: Singapore
From USD 35
Aquapalace Prague
Central Europe’s biggest waterpark is 3.75 miles (six km) south of Prague and is a family-centric attraction featuring saunas, a fitness center and a spa as well as swimming pools and water rides. Vodní svět (Water World) is largely undercover and comprises four themed zones, with lap pools, lazy rivers, a coral dome and wave pools as well as rapids and kamikaze twisting tube slides for the more adventurous of families. On offer elsewhere in the park are 14 different kinds of sauna, fitness classes — from Pilates to spinning — gyms equipped with cardio zones and power plates, solariums and a raft of massage options and beauty therapy treatments. There’s a children’s corner for young kids, swimming courses for all levels of expertise, private trainers in the gym and scuba diving classes in the Diving Pit.
Restaurants and bars are scattered throughout Aquapalace and there’s even a four-star hotel for extended stays. Children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult when visiting the park; lockers are provided.
Practical Info
Practical information: Pražská 138, Prague Čestlice. Open: Water World Mon–Fri 10am–10pm, Sat–Sun 9am–10pm; Fitness Center Mon–Fri 6am–11pm, Sat–Sun 7am–11pm. Prices start at 215 CZK in Water World and 190 CZK in the Fitness Center. The free Aquabus runs hourly from Opatov metro station on Line C; otherwise take buses 328, 363 or 385 from Opatov metro station or bus 325 from Nádraží Uhříněves.
Address: Pražská 138, Prague, Central Bohemian Region, Czech Republic 251 01, Czech Republic
Hours: Water World Mon–Fri 10am–10pm, Sat–Sun 9am–10pm; Fitness Center Mon–Fri 6am–11pm, Sat–Sun 7am–11pm
Admission: Prices start at 215 CZK in Water World and 190 CZK in the Fitness Center
From USD 25
AquaDom & SEA LIFE Berlin
AquaDom & Sea Life Berlin is an interactive aquarium with more than 5,000 underwater creatures and 37 displays. Ride an elevator through the AquaDom—a massive free-standing fish tank holding 264,172 gallons (1 million liters) of saltwater—and see animals such as giant Pacific octopus, manta rays, and sharks in the aquarium’s exhibits.
The Basics
Visit Sea Life Berlin with skip-the-line tickets to save time, and see a feeding-time demonstration at the massive AquaDom tank. You can also stop by the aquarium on a hop-on, hop-off city tour or experience Berlin’s top kid-friendly destinations with a combo ticket to Sea Life Berlin along with Legoland Discovery Centre Berlin, Madame Tussauds wax museum, Little Big City, and the Berlin Dungeon.
Things to Know Before You Go
- AquaDom & Sea Life Berlin is a must-see for families with kids.
- Most visitors spend one to two hours exploring the aquarium.
- A number of restaurants and coffee shops can be found near the aquarium.
How to Get There
AquaDom & Sea Life Berlin is located in Berlin Mitte, the city’s central borough, and is easy to reach by public transit. The U-Bahn (lines 2, 5, and 8) and S-Bahn both stop at nearby Alexanderplatz station, and many buses and trams are convenient to the aquarium. The attraction’s central location makes it a good jumping-off point for visiting popular sites such as the Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor), Alexanderplatz, and Museum Island (Museumsinsel).
When to Get There
The aquarium is open daily and you can visit year-round. To avoid crowds, go on a weekday or opt for an early morning or late afternoon visit. If you would like to watch animal feeding demonstrations, check the schedule prior to your visit.
Exhibits at Sea Life Berlin
Stop by the Octopus Garden to see the giant Pacific octopus along with related species such as cuttlefish and nautilus. At the Interactive Rockpool, you can learn about animals that live in rocky coastal areas and touch creatures such as sea stars and crabs. In the Atlantic Ocean exhibit, watch sharks swim among schools of wreckfish and eagle rays.
Address: Spandauer Strasse 3, Berlin, Germany
Admission: Varies
From USD 15
Arch of Titus
Located at the southeastern end of the Roman Forum, the triumphal Arch of Titus stands as a memorial to an emperor's brother.
Emperor Domitian commissioned the arch in the 1st century to honor his brother Titus, with the scenes showing Titus' many victories in war. Among the scenes is the Siege of Jerusalem – you can see a Jewish Menorah being carted back to Rome among the spoils.
Triumphal arches are familiar sights in Europe today – the Arc de Triomphe in Paris is one of the most famous examples – but most were based on the design of the Arch of Titus.
Practical Info
The Arch of Titus sits outside the Roman Forum, so it's always open to the public and free to visit.
Address: Via Sacra, Rome, Italy
Hours: Daily
From USD 23
Arashi Beach
Arashi Beach, one of Aruba’s northernmost beaches, is a secluded spot popular with diehard divers and serious sunbathers alike. Arashi’s clear water, soft sandy bottom, and generally calm surf make it ideal for swimmers and snorkelers as well.
The Basics
Arashi Beach features a few huts for shade, some picnic tables, and soft white sand as far as the eye can see. Arashi is a destination beach for scuba divers, as it is the final resting spot of the WWII German freighter Antilla. Other popular water sports include windsurfing, which makes for a good show from the shore even if you aren’t participating.
Island tours via bus, Segway, or ATV frequently make a quick stop at Arashi, along with other nearby highlights such as the California Lighthouse, Arikok National Park, and the Casibari rock formation. You can book beach-focused guided tours, which typically stop at the nearby Boca Catalina, Malmok Beach, Baby Beach, and the Natural Bridge. Most Aruba island snorkeling and scuba diving tours via boat make stops off Arashi to check out the SS Antilla shipwreck, along with the Natural Pool.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The only amenity here is the Arashi Beach Shack, serving snacks and drinks, located right off the parking lot.
- Bring your own snorkeling gear for safe, independent snorkeling right off the beach.
- Gentle currents and a shallow approach make Arashi a safe option for families with small kids.
- There are no restrooms on-site.
How to Get There
Arashi is located in Noord, on the border of the Palm Beach residential area and just north of Malmok Beach. Most travelers stop here on the way to the California Lighthouse, and both destinations can be reached via L.G. Smith Boulevard. The beach has a large parking area, and the Arubus stops there as well.
When to Get There
The crowd density on the beach depends on the season (January to March is most crowded), the snorkeling and diving conditions of the day, and the occupancy of the few small hotels nearby. Due to its western location, Arashi is a great place to watch the sunset.
The SS Antilla
Sunk off the coast of Aruba in 1939, the German SS Antilla ship was intentionally scuttled by its crew when Germany invaded the Netherlands. It is now home to sponges, coral, hawksbill turtles, and lobsters. One of the Caribbean’s largest wrecks, the Antilla lies in about 60 feet (18 meters) of water and is even visible above the surface at times.
Address: Noord, Aruba
Admission: Free
From USD 41
Arch of Constantine (Arco di Costantino)
Standing proud behind the Colosseum and steps away from the beginning of the Via Sacra, the imposing triumphal Arch of Constantine was erected by the Roma Senate in 315 AD in honor of Emperor Constantine's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge that took place three years earlier. At 69 feet (21 meters) tall, the ornate monument was carved from a single enormous block of gray and white marble. In typical Classical style, the great central gateway is mirrored by two smaller side arches and supported by eight Corinthian columns. The arch is decorated with reliefs plundered from other long-forgotten memorials that describe feats of bravery by earlier Roman emperors, as well as inscriptions praising the achievements of Constantine.
Thanks to its close proximity to the Colosseum and its sheer size, the Arch of Constantine is an easy landmark to find and a popular spot for photos. Many walking tours stop to admire the arch before continuing on to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum or to Palatine Hill.
Practical Info
Located on Via di San Gregorio in Rome, travelers can take the Metro or a taxi to the Colosseum next door.
Address: Via di San Gregorio, Campitelli, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy
From USD 6